AFCON 2025: Chelle welcomes Osimhen as Super Eagles complete Cairo camp, depart for Morocco

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has received a major boost to his Africa Cup of Nations preparations with the arrival of Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s training camp in Cairo, completing the squad ahead of their departure to Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Galatasaray striker, Nigeria’s most recognisable attacking figure, reported to camp on Wednesday night at the Renaissance Hotel in Cairo, having adjusted his travel plans to link up with the squad earlier than originally scheduled. His arrival comes a day after the Super Eagles suffered a 2–1 friendly defeat to Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium.

Nigeria are scheduled to fly out of Cairo on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to the Moroccan city of Fès, where they will base their Group C campaign at the biennial tournament.

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Osimhen arrival completes Super Eagles squad

Osimhen was the final player to join Chelle’s 28-man squad, with all other invited players already involved in training sessions earlier in the week.

According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the striker was expected to take part in the team’s evening training session on Wednesday, after missing the morning workout.

His absence was keenly felt in Tuesday’s friendly against Egypt, as Nigeria struggled to consistently unlock a compact and disciplined Pharaohs defence, despite periods of control and intensity.

Wingers Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon, who arrived earlier on Wednesday, both trained with the squad in the morning session, as Chelle continued to fine-tune tactical details ahead of the tournament opener.

Nigeria’s Cairo camp, which opened on Sunday, served a dual purpose: preparation for the friendly against Egypt and final conditioning before AFCON. While the result against the hosts did not go Nigeria’s way, the technical crew viewed the match as a vital test of structure, fitness and squad depth.

The Super Eagles squad includes goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie, while defensive options feature Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu and Chidozie Awaziem.

Midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Alex Iwobi provide balance and experience, with attacking support from Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, Cyriel Dessers, Akor Adams and Osimhen.

Focus turns to Morocco and Group C challenge

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.

They will open their AFCON campaign against Tanzania on December 23, before facing Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30.

Chelle, appointed earlier this year, will be targeting a deep run in Morocco as Nigeria seek a fourth continental title and a response to the disappointment of missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With Osimhen now in camp and the squad complete, attention fully shifts from preparation to performance.